The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be conducting a helicopter application of the biological larvicide, Bti, to control mosquito larvae over large wetland areas of Wakefield. Wetlands currently being evaluated for this application are located by Belmont Rd., Forest Rd., the Mill River flood plain by Nahant St. and Farm Rd., Shady Ave. and Sherman Rd. The application will take place between April 19 and April 27. The Bti will be applied in a granular formulation by a helicopter flying low directly over the wetlands. Residents do not need to take any special precautions for this application.

The material to be applied Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) is a natural bacterium found in soil. The EPA classifies Bti as a relatively non-toxic pesticide. Bti is considered a target selective and environmentally compatible pesticide that affects mosquito larvae and a few closely related aquatic insects in the fly family. Once applied Bti stays suspended in water for 24 to 48 hours and then biodegrades as it settles to the bottom. The product name of the Bti is VectoBac G (EPA Reg. #73049-10).

For further information contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at